If you’re the kind of person who stares at the endless shelves of wine before choosing a bottle because it has an attractive label, then you might need some help picking out wine. To make it a little easier for you, we’ve compiled a list of easy-drinking wines to help you identify and build your wine palate.
SAUVIGNON BLANC
Sauvignon Blanc is a light-bodied wine that will usually have aromas of grapefruit, asparagus, and some herbaceous elements. It pairs well with a lot of light foods such as green vegetables and chicken, pork, or fish with herbs.
Try Chalk Hill Estate 2019 Sauvignon Blanc.
PINOT GRIS
Pinot Gris, also known as Pinot Grigio, is a light to medium-bodied white wine. Pinot Gris typically has aromas of peach, citrus, honeysuckle, and apple. It tastes delicious with lighter foods such as fish, shellfish, and fresh vegetables.
Try The Four Graces 2019 Pinot Gris.
CHARDONNAY
Chardonnay is a full-bodied white that can be oaked or unoaked. It can have aromas of butter, tropical fruit, and citrus. Lobster, scallops, and cream sauces are a few things that pair well with Chardonnay.
Try Roth Reserve 2016 Russian River Valley Chardonnay.
PINOT NOIR
Pinot Noir is a light-bodied red that isn’t too bold for beginners. Pinot Noir is generally earthy and has notes of raspberry and cherry. Pinot Noir goes with a variety of things such as mushrooms, pork, chicken, and duck.
Try 2015 Banshee Rice-Spivak Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast.
ZINFANDEL
Zinfandel is a medium to full-bodied red. It’s described as being jammy, but we think that’s because it is more of a fruit-forward wine. Zinfandel can have aromas of blackberry, strawberry, and baking spice. Pairing it with barbequed dishes can really highlight its best characteristics.
Try Foley Sonoma 2016 Zinfandel Patty’s Patch, Alexander Valley.
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Cabernet Sauvignon is a bold wine, usually being medium to full-bodied. It has notes of plum, blackberry, black pepper, and leather. Cabernet Sauvignon is best paired with steak, braised short ribs, or even hamburgers.
Try Sebastiani 2016 Old Vine Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley.
By trying each of these varietals, you’ll start to figure out which wines you like the best and you’ll be more confident about trying new ones.
